A member of Democratic Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey’s staff has been fired following his arrest on charges of drug trafficking and unlawful firearm possession.
Lamar Cook was arrested Tuesday after police executed a search warrant at the Springfield State Office Building, where he worked as deputy director of Healey’s Western Massachusetts office, according to the Hampden District Attorney’s Office. Investigators intercepted multiple packages containing “suspected cocaine” that were intended to be delivered to the government building.
Healey described Cook as a “proven [leader] with deep ties to Western Mass” when he was hired in April of 2023.
Cook pleaded not guilty Wednesday in Springfield District Court to charges of trafficking cocaine and illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition, and is scheduled to return to court on Friday, according to CBS News.
Authorities said the arrest followed a controlled delivery operation on Saturday, during which officers seized roughly eight kilograms of cocaine. In total, investigators have confiscated about 21 kilograms of cocaine in connection with the case, including two parcels discovered earlier this month at Hotel UMass.
“Evidence collected during that operation was consistent with the narcotics recovered during the most recent controlled delivery in Springfield,” Gulluni’s office said in a statement. “The investigation into the UMass seizure remains ongoing and may result in additional charges related to the prior shipments in Hampshire County.”
Cook previously served as the director of Hotel UMass between 2016 and 2023, according to his LinkedIn profile.
Following his arrest, Healey’s office announced that Cook had been terminated immediately.
“The governor’s office has been made aware of the arrest of an employee, Lamar Cook. The conduct that occurred here is unacceptable and represents a major breach of the public trust,” Healey’s office said in a statement, according to WCVB 5 ABC. “Mr. Cook has been terminated from his position effective immediately. This criminal investigation is ongoing, and our administration will work with law enforcement to assist them in their work.”
Healey’s office did not respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Kennealy called the news a “disgrace for our state and a direct reflection of Healey’s failed leadership,” while fellow Republican candidate Brian Shortsleeve called it “beyond shocking” and urged accountability.
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